(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-28 23:18

BEIJING - China and Nigeria on Thursday vowed to expand cooperation from fields such as energy and telecommunications to agriculture, infrastructure and manufacturing.

China's President Hu Jintao (L) and his Nigerian counterpart Umaru Yar'Adua review an honour guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing February 28, 2008. [Xinhua]

The two sides issued a joint press communique after talks between Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Nigerian counterpart Umaru Yar'Adua, pledging to continue to promote the growth of relations.

During the talks, the heads of the state expressed satisfaction at the evolving strategic partnership between their two countries.

Hu said that since President Yar'Adua took office, the Nigerian government has paid high regard to relations with China, sticking to the one-China policy, and supporting China's peaceful reunification process.

Hu made four proposals to strengthen bilateral relations, including a strategic dialogue to cement mutual political trust, cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, and cultural exchanges to increase mutual understanding and strengthening cooperation on regional and international issues to safeguard common interests.

Yar'Adua said Nigeria was willing to promote friendly exchanges and cooperation with China in such fields as trade, infrastructure and energy.

Earlier, Yar'Adua met with the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, saying Nigeria believed the expansion of reciprocal cooperation with China would help Nigeria to achieve its economic development.

China's assistance to Africa was purely selfless, and only aimed to help Africa accelerate its independence, Wen told Yar'Adua. China would continue to work with African countries, including Nigeria, to comprehensively implement the Action Plan adopted during the Sino-Africa Beijing Summit last year for the benefit of all.

As guest of Hu, Yar'Adua arrived on Wednesday for a four-day state visit, the first since he assumed office in May 2007.